Ajirotutu, Nwagbuo headline cuts

Wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu and defensive lineman Ogemdi Nwagbuo, who both rose from the practice squad to make significant contributions, are among the 14 cuts the Union-Tribune has learned have been handed down at Chargers Park today.

In all, the Chargers trimmed 28 players to get their roster to 53, including two who were placed on injured reserve.

Ajirotutu was an undrafted free agent in 2010 and began last season on the practice squad. Injuries forced his promotion on Oct. 23, and two weeks later he was a hero in a victory at Houston, catching four passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns. He finished last season with 13 catches for 262 yards and began camp strong at receiver and in kick coverage. But a leg injury sidelined him for two weeks and allowed the Chargers to get repeated looks at Bryan Walters.

Walters, who was cut last August and spent December on the practice squad, has shown remarkable dependability as both a receiver and kick returner. He had a 103-yard kickoff return in the preseason opener.

Nwagbuo, a Mount Miguel High alumnus, was signed to the Chargers practice squad in December 2008 and spent the past two seasons on the active roster. He started five games in 2009 and played 542 snaps over the two years.

Several players were told to stay around town with an eye toward keeping them on the practice squad. Following is the list of players who were cut. Those who are likely practice candidates are denoted by asterisk. The eight-man practice squad can be announced beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday after players clear waivers. (Ajirotutu and Nwagbuo are not eligible.)